People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) announced on Wednesday that Canadian Tire, a major Canadian retail company selling automotive, sports, leisure and home products, as well as its corporate-owned subsidiaries, have pledged to go fur-free. The announcement states:

“After learning from PETA that animals are electrocuted, bludgeoned, and skinned alive for their fur, Canadian Tire and its corporate-owned subsidiaries agreed to go fur-free–a commitment that includes Mark’s [formerly Mark’s Work Wearhouse], Sport Chek, National Sports, and Pro Hockey Life. Together these brands boast nearly 1,100 locations in Canada.”

With the notoriously cold Canadian winter well underway, PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman elaborates on the significance of the move:

“By banning fur from more than one thousand stores and online, Canadian Tire has made a huge difference for the animals who are tormented and skinned for fur coats, hoods, hats, and collars. PETA urges people everywhere to shop fur-free during the holiday season–and all year long.”